The Original White Castle Hamburger slider - oh they are so good to eat - remember?

White Castles – Cravers and Slider and a bed of Onions

Any kid from the Midwest will tell they have had their mouthful of White Castles hamburgers in their life and likely still eating them no matter where they moved to in the United States. There something about these fresh made and also fast frozen foods that makes them taste different and special. There is no doubt about it, White Castle menu items are designed for you to crave them and never let them go.

So what makes these franchise foods different? It has ingredients that put the taste buds in your mouth into crave mode and continue to urge you to buy as much as you can afford and go together like heroin and needle. Both are very addictive. The more you eat, the more you want them. Thus you become a craver and there is nothing you can do about it. Thus they got the name of sliders as they are just big enough to swallow and slide right down to your stomach in just one bite.

Looking at the menu items you will find hamburgers, cheeseburgers, double burgers, fish, chicken and all kinds of side items. In business since 1921, these folks have created mouth-watering goodies for millions of people who now rely on a White Castle burger whenever they see one or travel through regions that belong to the franchise chain in the Midwest. 

White Castle uses USDA inspected, 100% beef hamburger, and they steam grill them on a bed of onions. And that’s just the beginning of the menu! They also take no debate on shakes, soft drinks and other items such as coffee or yes, even milk. They sell milk. 

Next time you are in the Midwest – stop by a White Castle and eat your heart out but remember, they are addictive and you will crave to slide one down your throat and taste the burger, fish or chicken with all your heart’s contentment. They are that good.

Fred DuVal for Governor of Arizona

If there is any doubt who I support for Arizona Governor - here it is

https://www.facebook.com/FredduVal2014

A Dutch Soldier, my uncle Victor

Not much has been said about a Dutch soldier who brought honor to his family and to the military unit he was assigned to when he was a young man. Born in 1908, Frederick Victor ToersBijns, a 21 year old cadet at the Dutch Royal Military Academy, showed the world his fencing skills as he took part in international competitions of “saber fights” for which he won fourth place.

By decision of the Governor General of the Dutch East Indies (today’s Indonesia) from July 31, 1932 he was promoted and appointed with honor the rank of second lieutenant in the Dutch army. There he was assigned to the 14^th Infantry battalion at Buitenzorg. 3 years later, ToersBijns was promoted to first lieutenant and assigned to the Muara Teboh garrison. 

It was here where he gained notoriety as a world class fencer and appointed to the fencing team who among them were some of the best fencers around that part of the world.  He competed with those members of the Royal Navy as well as some officers of the Dutch Marines. In honor of the Dutch princess, he was appointed master of ceremonies for a parade held yearly and gradually moved on to compete in a series of competitions held for saber fighters. 

On April, 30, 1938, ToersBijns was an honor graduate of the military police academy and was assigned to the 14^th battalion military police before being assigned permanently to the 2^nd military police battalion. In 1939, he participated in the competition trials of the Royal Dutch Indian Officer meets where he placed in the finals for such competition and placed 4^th place prize.

Soon after the competition, war broke out with Japan and in March, 1942, ToersBijns escaped from the island of Java to the island of Sumatra to avoid being captured and joined the opposition forces against the Japanese army. His time during the resistance was critical in defending Dutch troop positions and his eventual capture by the Japanese in December 1944, resulted in his death by decapitation with his own sword. 

Photo – the spot in Anjol where ToersBijns was killed by the Japanese before he dug his own grave and was beheaded on this spot. 

Reference: http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emanuel_Victor_Frederik_Toers_Bijns

Jodi Arias - Was the kind of crime committed Witchcraft or Bitchcraft?

The backpack metaphor of life

One should take the time to watch the movie “Up in the Air” starring George Clooney and pay attention to his “backpack” metaphor when he does his “your fired” speech in front of an audience or those unfortunate enough to be fired by him or his protégé. There are valuable lessons to be learned in the manner this is presented and explained. It can be applied universally to any work or life setting if you know the complete meaning of such metaphor and how it applies to your life. 

 The message is simple and can be completely understood by many as the way to see life’s struggles and challenges. It is at the very least a moment where you come to grip with the realities of your own life from the world around you. This metaphor can allow you to take into the wisdom put into the effort to explain life as it is for you.

Life is a constant emotional struggle. It has its ups and downs and sometimes we tend to focus on the downs rather than the positive things. This backpack can be filled with joyous moments or episodes of drama or doom. The reality is how you balance the two and make carrying the backpack less of a burden or worthwhile doing. 

The backpack theory is a realistic perception of your life. Carrying a backpack that is too light may seem to give you the impression there is nothing but air in your life. On the other side, a backpack too heavy can become a burden and slow you down. It all depends how you determine your own strengths, your weaknesses and your perseverance to handle these burdens.

Whether the straps of the backpack cuts into your shoulders is an individual character only you can define. Whether the contents of the backpack are worth the effort to carry is also a personal decision only you can make. There is a definite emotional connection between you and the backpack. It is what makes you function, act or do the things you do in life. 

For some the empty backpack is by choice or misfortune. If they chose not to be involved in relationships, having family closeness or engaged in an active social life, then the backpack may be light to carry. It may also however, feel empty and needing some attention. The reality may be your life is lacking emotional fulfillment and satisfaction.

If you go the other way where the backpack is too heavy and you could be maintaining too many relationships that are counterproductive or hard to handle.  You may need to learn to release some of these items you are packing to make your life more balanced. You are after all, free to do so if you want to make that choice. How you balance your life is very important. 

The backpack can make you think about your priorities in life. It is both insightful emotionally and creates a moment in time for you to do some deep thinking and determine who you are, what you want in life and where you are going. Filling the backpack with those things you need to accomplish such goals is the secret to life and the balance of your heart. 

So ask yourself, what else do I lack or need? What should I let go off and move on with my life? One must be cautious in taking in or releasing such things in your life as they carry an emotional attachment only you can feel or care about. Thus we have choices to make and make often to manage the backpack we carry through life every day. The balance is usually between what you can handle and what you can’t. 

Simplified, remember there are emotional assets here to take into consideration as well. Nothing is simple and nothing can be ignored when it comes to managing your life. You almost always carry those things around with you because you either want them or need them. 

Sometimes, you must ask yourself, what do I want and what do I need. It is quite a difference in weight and responsibilities. There are some things you need but there are almost always some things you want. Whatever is essential to you will likely go into the backpack of life. 

Ask yourself – is my backpack filled with family and good friends? Is it filled with moments of happiness and achievements and amazing experiences? Is it too light or too heavy? Is the backpack strong enough to carry it all or do you need a stronger backpack? The biggest challenge knowing what amount of things you can carry and handle. It is after all, a meaningful way to add weight to your life and be grateful for what you have. On the other hand, it should contain all those essential things you need to sustain life.